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๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz County, CA

From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.

Live music, festivals, art walks, surf contests, trail days and everything in between.

In-person only, on purpose. Everything here is something you can actually show up to. No screens, no streams.

โ˜… Featured this season

Promotional image for Phamily Time! โ˜… Featured Event
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 ยท 4:00 PM

Phamily Time!

๐Ÿ“ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing ยท Downtown Santa Cruz ยท See listing

Phamily Time, presented by Phreeborn is back with a summer edition you wonโ€™t want to miss. There will be something for everyone, so bring the whole phamily! Get tickets for the whole day celebration here: TICKETS

Music Festivals ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz Details โ†’
Promotional image for Motion Pacific: Dance for PD Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท The 418 Project

Motion Pacific: Dance for PD

Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinsonโ€™s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PDยฎ program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinsonโ€™s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinsonโ€™s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for July 1 Plateau Jazz Band plays for swing dance at Woodhouse Brewing Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท Woodhouse Brewing

July 1 Plateau Jazz Band plays for swing dance at Woodhouse Brewing

The Plateau Jazz Band plays 20s -40s swing dance jazz at Woodhouse Brewing from 5:30-8:30 on Wednesday July 1st. Listen, lesson, dance, dine and drink. Bob Folker teaches a half hour introductory/intermediate swing dance lesson from 5:30-6, the band plays for the dancers till 7, then Bob teaches a second half hour lesson and the band plays another hour long set of music. Things wrap up around 8:30 or so. Listening is free. Lessons and dance $10 The Plateau Jazz Band is a six-piece traditional jazz band from Santa Cruz, California. They play New Orleans influenced, Preservation Hall inspired, prohibition era swinging dance jazz. Their repertoire includes hot jazz songs like Dr. Jazz & That's a Plenty, blues tunes like St. Louis Blues & St. James Infirmary Blues, and swing dance standards like Blue Skies, Dinah, & Iโ€™m Going to Sit Right Down (and write myself a letter).

Music
Promotional image for Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท The 418 Project

Motion Pacific- Beginning Hip Hop House

A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.

Music ๐Ÿ“ Downtown Santa Cruz
Promotional image for (((folkYEAH))) PRESENTS: ALELA DIANE With SHANNON LAY Coming up
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 ยท The Crepe Place

(((folkYEAH))) PRESENTS: ALELA DIANE With SHANNON LAY

With a nearly decades long contemporary folk career, Alela Dianeโ€™s work is akin to the changing of the seasons: a quiet, but extraordinary facet. Woven in with lovely guitar melodies, her ineffable voice soothes the listener with buoyant lilting and haunting harmonies. The lyrics in her latest album, Whoโ€™s Keeping Track of Time, unveil her intimate fascination with the mystery of the changing seasons and passing moments. Gentle rhythm and soaring strings accentuate Alelaโ€™s slow but steady lyrical honesty. Vulnerably grasping at how time comes for us all, Alelaโ€™s music serves as a comfort to the weary heart. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Music ๐Ÿ“ Midtown

โ˜€๏ธ Happening today

Wednesday, August 5

40 events on today. No plans required, just go.

9:00 AM
$10
Pilates & Posture in the Pasture
๐Ÿ“ Beyond Liberty
Wellness
9:00 AM
$59
Dynomite Farm: Private Dahlia U-Cut Experience
๐Ÿ“ Dynomite Farm
Community
10:00 AM
See listing
Mobile Health Clinic
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
10:00 AM
$32
Santa Cruz Beach Train
๐Ÿ“ Roaring Camp Railroads
Family
10:00 AM
See listing
Baby Dance Jam
๐Ÿ“ The 418 Project
Art & Culture
10:00 AM
See listing
GARDEN TOTEMS: HANDBUILDING (5/5)
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Outdoors
10:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Baby Laptime
๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Library
Family
11:00 AM
See listing
Preschool Story Time @ La Selva Beach
๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Community
11:30 AM
See listing
Bilingual Toddler Storytime
๐Ÿ“ Watsonville Library
Family

What's happening

Filter by category, date, or area. Everything listed is in person, county-wide.

Quick: Today This weekend Next 7 days Area Clear all

19 upcoming events ยท Adults 21+ ยท from 2026-08-05 ยท to 2026-08-12

Aug
6

Young and Dead

๐Ÿ“ Felton Music Hall
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.

Aug
7

3rd Rail

๐Ÿ“ Cat Alley Street
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 1:30 AM ยท FREE

Every first and third Fridays at Cat Alley Street, our beat conductors take you on a high-style ride showcasing underground street sounds- Brought to you by Subterrestrials Records. Doors and Bar open at 6pm, Music at 9pm. No Cover, 21+

Aug
7

Little Giant Collective presents Thread Bare

๐Ÿ“ Little Giant Collective
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

Thread Bare: Erotic Textiles Make your way to LGC Friday August 7th from 6-9pm for a collection of suggestive pieces from local sewists, weavers, knitters, crotcheters, and embroidery artists. Ranging from the lighthearted to lewd, this collection is sure to be entertaining and titillating. Featuring works by Amanda Payne Ann Altstatt Arden Rosenthal Bobby Gordon Colette Rabin Derek Pratt Haley Ricci J Atencio Juliette Saux Lisa Sprinkle Martabel Wasserman Pete Brook Sophie Bassett LGC is an inclusive space and all are welcome, be aware of adult themes when bringing in younger viewers. 115 river st S Next to Mobo Sushi

Art & Culture Adults 21+ Details โ†’
Aug
7

The Art Work of Harry Hat

๐Ÿ“ Cat Alley Street
๐Ÿ•’ 6:00 PM ยท See listing

Currently, Cat Alley Street has local artist Harry Hat displaying his fun, whimsical drawings/painting on our walls, along with other pictures that fit our aesthetic. Cat Alley Street is a swanky 1920s themed vampire nightclub, located at the Catalyst upstairs. We have a full bar, beautiful lounge, and great DJs playing electronic dance music Thursday thru Sunday, usually with no cover. This venue is 21+. Occasionally we have live jazz or bluegrass in the Sun Room. The bar & lounge open at 6pm, DJs start at 9. We will soon have food service at the Catalyst downstairs food counter, which can be brought upstairs. Our intention is all about creating an atmosphere that feels beautiful, safe, and genuinely welcoming.

Aug
7

Vine To View Winemaker's Dinner Series

๐Ÿ“ Chaminade Resort & Spa
๐Ÿ•’ 6:30 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM ยท See listing

Join us from May to October as Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet four-course dinners expertly paired with wines from local California vineyards. Enjoy a romantic evening in the Chaminade courtyard overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. 21+ only. Tickets and Overnight Packages (two tickets included) on sale now. See 2026 calendar below. Friday, May 1 in partnership with Beauregard Vineyards Friday, June 5 in partnership with Caymus Vineyards Friday, July 10 in partnership with Wente Vineyards Friday, July 24 in partnership with Storrs Winery Friday, August 7 in partnership with Fableist Wine Co. Friday, September 11 in partnership with Serial Wines October Date TBD in partnership with Alfaro Family Vineyards

Food & Drink Adults 21+ ๐Ÿ“ Midtown Details โ†’
Aug
7

Moe's Alley Presents: Eric Lindell & The Westside Summer League

๐Ÿ“ Moe's Alley
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

Moes Alley presents the soulful sounds of Eric Lindell & The Westside Summer League! Friday, August 7, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$30 in advance / $35 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====ERIC LINDELLBorn in San Mateo, California in 1969, Lindell spent countless hours in San Francisco, soaking up the musical sounds of the city, eventually leading him to pick up first the bass and then the guitar and harmonica. With a love of music and skateboarding, Lindell formed a few punky garage bands early on while his musical horizons expanded. He listened to the deep blues of Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Jimmy Reed and Albert King before drifting toward the R&B sounds of The Impressions, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, soaking up the soul and learning how to craft a song. After performing at bars on the West Coast with a few short-lived bands, Eric formed his own group in 1993. He quickly gained a loyal Northern California audience thanks to countless performances and many late-night jam sessions. Established stars like Charlie Musselwhite and Tom Waits attended his shows, as did overflow crowds of music fans.

Aug
8

Chamber Choir Now Auditioning

๐Ÿ“ Westside Locations
๐Ÿ•’ 8:39 AM โ€“ 8:39 AM ยท FREE

Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.

Aug
8

Are You Game?

๐Ÿ“ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐Ÿ•’ 1:00 PM ยท See listing

Saturday, August 08 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite tabletop games. Bring your own or play some of the library's games. No prior gaming experience is necessary. 18+. Every 2nd Saturday.

Community Adults 21+ Details โ†’
Aug
8

Groovy Judy

๐Ÿ“ Joe's Bar
๐Ÿ•’ 8:30 PM ยท See listing

Groovesters! Shake off the cold at Joe's in Boulder Creek! Join us on August 8th from 8:30pm to 11:30pm and warm up those dancin' shoes! Saturday, August 8 The Groovy Judy Band Grooves! Joeโ€™s Bar 13118 State Route 9 Boulder Creek, CA 831-338-9417 8:30pm โ€“ 11:30pm 21+ FREE

Aug
9

Gary Blackburn Band

๐Ÿ“ Moe's Alley
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM ยท See listing

Moes Alley Presents a rockin Sunday matinee with Gary Blackburn Band! Sunday, August 9, 2026Doors: 1pm / Show: 2pm$15 in advance / $20 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====Gary Blackburn BandGary Blackburn Band based in Santa Cruz, CA., and the Monterey Bay brings their high energy roots rock based in the Rock, Country, Blues genres. The Gary Blackburn Band currently performs at music venues up and down the Central Coast and Bay Area, blending old school with contemporary, the band will weave a musical journey up on the stage, and you will be dancing! Fronted by Santa Cruz local, and celebrated veteran singer songwriter, Gary Blackburn, the band performs familiar rocking covers along with a few of Garys originals. You can hear one of Garys country tunes, Carolina on KPIG 107.5 Freedom, California. With Gary on guitar and lead vocals, the band also features, Sean Woodward, lead guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals, Kevin Taylor, keyboards, harmony vocals, Dan Waller, bass, harmony vocals, and Tom Duncan, drums. The Gary Blackburn Band brings it yall, come have some fun!

Aug
9

The Beat Farmers w/ Gill Brothers Band

๐Ÿ“ Moe's Alley
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

Classic guitar riffs, bright percussion, and twangy vocals, The Beat Farmersโ€™ discography holds a seminal place in the 1980s Roots Rock and Americana scene. Beginning in 1983 in San Diego, the band played bar gigs, refining their craft before catching the attention of a Los Angeles audience. Carrying a sense of play, often leaning into goofy lyricism and a boozey stage-presence, their musicianship shines through uninhibited sets. The original lineup was spearheaded by legendary Country Dick Montana, who passed in 1995. The band carries on his spirit with Joey Harris leading vocals, Jarry Raney on guitar, Rolle Love on bass, and Joel Kmak on drums. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz

Aug
11

Time Management

๐Ÿ“ UC Santa Cruz
๐Ÿ•’ 2:00 PM โ€“ 2:45 PM ยท See listing

In this workshop, you will: Learn the ways you can manage your time and avoid procrastination/burnout. The Successful Slug Workshop series, hosted by Learning Support Services Peer Coaches, are open to all UCSC undergraduate students and focus on academic skills and tools to support your success as a student. At each workshop, you will be introduced to a topic, engage in active learning, be given resources to begin implementing the same day, and have an opportunity to learn more if you are interested. You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of Californiaโ€™s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiativeโ€”whether a student service, faculty program, or community eventโ€”is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications .

Education Adults 21+ ๐Ÿ“ UCSC Details โ†’
Aug
12

Davy Knowles

๐Ÿ“ Moe's Alley
๐Ÿ•’ 8:00 PM ยท See listing

Moes Alley presents the versatile and formidable bluesman, Davy Knowles! Wednesday, August 12, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$30 in advance / $35 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====DAVY KNOWLESWhether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style.Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slams critically acclaimed album Roll Away in 2007 (I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix Patrick McDonald - Seattle Times), Davys star has only risen. His sophomore release Coming Up For Air was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (Davy already has a recognizable style. Hes definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,- Peter Frampton), with subsequent tours seeing him supporting and sharing the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Brian Setzer, the Sammy Hagar-fronted supergroup Chickenfoot, and guitar hero Joe Satriani who called Davy My favorite modern Bluesman. Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike - but its not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their missions orbiting Earth.Never one to be satisfied or to sit still, Knowles has explored multiple genres and styles, from the hard-hitting 70s classic rock influenced album Three Miles From Avalon, to

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